The automotive industry showed strong growth throughout this year, and according to a recent report, the month of May will be no different.
J.D. Power & Associates' Power Information Network and LMC Automotive recently released a report on what May's final numbers will show as far as vehicles sales are concerned. According to the report, total sales are expected to be above the 15 million-unit selling rate by the end of the month.
New vehicle retail sales are expected to hit 1,157,900 vehicles by month's end, representing a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 12.5 million units. The report noted that that is the highest SAAR since January and the third consecutive month in which retail sales have been above 1 million units.
The full sale picking market has shown considerable gains, which is common when a housing market is showing robust growth. According to J.D. Power and LMC Automotive the full-size pickup truck segment will account for 11.4 percent of the entire automotive industry's retail sales, an 11 percent increase on a month-over-month comparison and a 9.7 percent increase on a year-over-year comparison.
"Collectively, these components mean that while industry new-vehicle transaction prices have risen by 19 percent during the past six years ($28,921 in May 2013 from $24,404 in May 2008), the average monthly payment for new-car buyers and lessees has increased only 3 percent ($455 in May 2013 vs. $443 in May 2008)," said John Humphrey, senior vice president of the global automotive practice at J.D. Power & Associates. "This market dynamic is enabling consumers to purchase new vehicles with improved fuel economy, safety and technology at an affordable monthly payment."
KBB confirms: May vehicle sales to be strong
Kelley Blue Book issued a similar report expecting that new-car sales will reached 15 million units on a seasonally adjusted annual rate by the end of May, accounting for a 6 percent increase on a year-over-year comparison. KBB noted that with Memorial Day weekend, new car dealers will be offering incentives to get people in the door, helping boost the sales numbers at the end of the month.
"The Big Three will continue to benefit from a strong pickup truck market, with each domestic automaker anticipated to post gains slightly better than the overall industry average," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Meanwhile, Nissan is expected to post the single largest gain in sales this month, thanks to strong demand for the redesigned Altima, Sentra and Rogue, each of which experienced an increase of greater than 30 percent in sales last month."
KBB also attributed much of the strong sales in May to the growing truck segment. They expect full-size pickup trucks to be up 19.9 percent. Those with a pickup truck or considering buying a new pickup truck should look into Husky Liners® mud guards.
List of family vehicles
KBB also recently released a list of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013 for those interested in something other than a pickup.
"Show us 10 families and we'll suggest a different car for each, but all of those vehicles will score high in areas like safety, roominess, comfort and value," said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "Our annual list is aimed at helping families find the right ride and always includes something for everyone, with a special nod to the best of what's new."
The No. 1 family car on KBB's list is the Nissan Pathfinder. From there, the cars on the list, in order, are: the Honda Accord, Toyota Prius V, Volkswagen Passat, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Avalon, Ford Fusion, Honda CR-V, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Suburban.
The 25th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals were held this past weekend at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.
The NHRA Mello Yellow Drag Racing Series was delayed at an event in Atlanta, so this past weekend was the fifth straight weekend of competition. The Kansas Nationals are the eighth of 24 events in the series.
The Husky Liners® sponsored COPO Camaro driven by Todd Patterson of Patterson racing qualified at No. 3 in Stock Eliminator with the 427 EFI Patterson Power Plant. He also won the Stock Automatic Combo Class. The COPO Camaro is one of only 69 released by Chevrolet. It is powered by a Patterson Racing 427ci electronic fuel injected Chevrolet LS series engine that produces well over the factory 425 horsepower rating.
While the COPO Camaro is only designed for racing, the vehicles don't have identification numbers and can't be registered for street use.
However, Husky Liners® mud guards are now available for the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro for those looking to add a little style and protection to the exterior of the Camaro they can get their hands on.
The NHRA Mello Yellow Drag Racing Series continues to the 44th annual Toyota NHRA Summernationals in New Jersey on May 30.
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Winfield, Kansas, Husky Liners®, a division of Winfield Consumer Products is a leading manufacturer of automotive aftermarket products designed to protect the interior, and exterior of your vehicle. At the core of its diverse product line up is the Husky Liners® brand of custom fit floor liners, including front seat, rear seat, cargo area. The company also manufactures heavy duty floor mats, custom molded mud guards and a wide assortment of quality products designed to help extend the life of your car, truck or SUV. All products are manufactured in the USA and most come with a lifetime guarantee. For more information, visit: www.huskyliners.com.
A recent report from AAA Travel predicts that 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, accounting for a 0.9 percent decrease from the 35.1 million Americans who traveled last year for the holiday weekend.
The report noted that the decline in travel is primarily due the 8 percent decrease in air travel expected this year compared to last year.
"AAA is forecasting Memorial Day travel to be slightly lower this year due to an up and down economy, the impact of the end of the payroll tax holiday on working families and a 30-year low in the percentage of working-age people in the workforce," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "Additionally, economic growth in the first quarter was strong, but the impact of the sequester is now beginning to be felt, resulting in reduced economic growth expectations. These and other variables are expected to result in few travelers this holiday."
The number of people hitting the road is expected to increase this Memorial Day weekend. According to AAA, approximately 31.2 million people plan on driving to their holiday destination, up 0.25 percent from the amount of drivers last year. AAA noted that nine out of 10 travelers this Memorial Day will be driving. Those hitting the road with families for a long road trip will want to add a little extra protection to their car's interior. Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats will protect from spills and make cleaning easy.
Traveling helps a relationship
A separate study showed that those looking to improve their relationships might want to hit the road this Memorial Day. A survey from YourTango.com showed that 90 percent of couples who went on a road trip together said the experience strengthened their relationship.
Of the travelers, 50 percent used a sedan. Ford commissioned the study and highlighted how its Fusion is the perfect car for couples hitting the road.
"More and more couples are taking road trips due to the high cost of airfare and because it gives you the opportunity to take your vehicle with you to explore new places," says Samantha Hoyt, Fusion marketing manager. "We're excited most couples choose a sedan to travel in, and we've designed Fusion to meet the needs of couples who enjoy getaways by providing an inviting and comfortable interior in a car that is really fun to drive."
Kelley Blue Book recently released its list of 10 Best Family Cars of 2013, highlighting the wide range of family vehicles available for any unique family specifications and situations.
"Show us 10 families and we'll suggest a different car for each, but all of those vehicles will score high in areas like safety, roominess, comfort and value," said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "Our annual list is aimed at helping families find the right ride and always includes something for everyone, with a special nod to the best of what's new."
According to KBB, the No. 1 family car is the Nissan Pathfinder. From there, the cars on the list, in order, are: the Honda Accord, Toyota Prius V, Volkswagen Passat, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Avalon, Ford Fusion, Honda CR-V, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Suburban.
Those in the market for a family car will also want to have some added protection for their interior. Anyone with young children know that a car's carpet is vulnerable to spills and stains. Luckily, Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats are available to ensure any spills stay on the liner and off the car's carpet.
List of vehicles for below-prime buyers
CarFinance.com released a different list for those in the market for a new vehicle. The website recently compiled a list of the top 10 new and used vehicles for below-prime buyers.
As the report indicated that more than 43 percent of all car loans are issued to below-prime buyers, the new list highlights the best cars for those in a similar situations.
"With loans to the nation's large population of below-prime car buyers rebounding, and helping to fuel our economic recovery, the industry would be wise to keep a close eye on their vehicle preferences," said Jim Landy, CarFinance president and CEO. "The CarFinance.com Top Ten Lists offer a snapshot of consumers focused on vehicle choices that are realistic and economically viable, and reflect the responsibility we are consistently seeing in their loan behavior, which is characterized by low rates of defaults and low rates of late payments."
CarFinance.com's Top Ten New Vehicles Purchased: Below-Prime Car Buyers in the last six months include the Dodge Avenger, Kia Forte, Kia Optima, Chrysler 200, Dodge Journey, Ford Focus, Ram 1500, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa and Kia Sorento.
The new 2013 Chevrolet Camaro is a work of art.
When you first get a look at this truly authentic car, you don't know whether you should hop in and drive the thing or try to hang it up on your wall because it's so beautiful.
Headlights comparable to Mona Lisa's deep set eyes, a revving engine that produces a sound as complex as a Mozart symphony, and a unique body style that looks like it was sculpted by the hands of Michelangelo himself.
Yes, the Camaro's aesthetical considerations are paramount. It is a true product of human creativity unmatched by any other vehicle on the road. A design that has been perfected by the artist, Chevrolet, nearly 50 years after the first Camaro hit car (art) dealers.
Now imagine yourself bringing home this masterpiece, or any fine work of art for that matter. You wouldn't hang a rare Picasso painting on your wall without a picture frame, would you? Of course not.
And like a rare and expensive painting, the Camaro also needs a little extra protection and something to enhance its gorgeous features. That's why Husky Liners® mud guards are now available for the Chevrolet Camaro.
The 2013 Ram 1500 was recently named a 2013 Automobile Magazine All-Star for the third time in the last four years. As the 1500 has already received a number of awards this year, the editorial staff at the publication thought it was worthy of the award.
"The Automobile Magazine All-Star award puts the 2013 Ram 1500 on top of other half-ton trucks in the market," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This prestigious award doesn't just focus on new trucks but all current model trucks and we're proud to accept the honor."
The new Ram 1500 gets best in class fuel efficiency with 25 miles to the gallon. In addition, the automaker said its new technology and features don't sacrifice on performance. The truck comes with a choice of engines including the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine or the award-winning Pentastar V-6. Company officials note that it offers some of the best powertrain options for a truck in the automotive industry.
The editorial staff at Automobile Magazine are not the only ones impressed by the new 1500.
2013 Ram 1500 is the Truck of the Year
The 2013 Ram 1500 was named the Truck of the Year by various sources earlier in the year including Ward's, Motor Trend and AOL Autos.
Even more recently the 2013 Ram 1500 was named the North American Truck/Utility of the Year by the 49 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada at the North American International Auto Show. Anyone who has purchased or plans on purchasing the 1500 should equip it with Husky Liners® mud guards in order to protect its exterior.
"For the Ram Truck Brand, this ranks as one of the proudest days in our history," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group. "Every truck-maker aspires to win the North American Truck/Utility of the Year. I tip my hat to the folks who worked behind the scenes to make the 2013 Ram 1500 a technological triumph. In no other truck will you find Ram's incredible combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency – 25 miles per gallon - Pentastar and HEMI engines matched to TorqueFlite 8-speed transmissions, air suspension."
The new 1500 is available in nine trim levels and starts at $23,585.
Pick up truck prices on the rise
The price for full-size pickup trucks was up nearly 7 percent in the first four months of this year, when compared to the same period of time last year, according to a report from NADA Used Car Guides.
According to Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide, the higher trade-in values for pickup trucks is primarily due tot the improving housing market, stabilizing gas prices and a decline in the late model supply of trucks.
NADA Used Car Guides noted that a three-year-old Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 5.3L 2WD costs $20,540, up 8 percent on a year-over-year comparison.
The National Association of Home Builders said that there were 781,000 home starts in 2012, and it expects that number will surpass 1 million in 2013. Usually when residential construction increases, the cost of a pickup truck also goes up.
"The low rate of depreciation for full-size pickups means that consumers will find themselves in a favorable equity position if they trade-in their used pickups for a new or newer pre-owned one," Banks said. "There is little evidence to suggest that consumer demand for full-size pickups will diminish in the near-term. We expect prices in the segment to remain above average for the remainder of the year."
NADA Used Car Guide recently released its May edition of Guidelines, showing that prices for full-size pickup trucks have increased.
According to the report, the price for full-size pickup trucks was up nearly 7 percent in the first four months of this year.
Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide, said that the higher trade-in values for pickup trucks is primarily due to rising home values, increased residential construction, stabilizing gas prices and a decline in the late model supply of trucks.
The report said that a three year old Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 5.3L 2WD costs $20,540, accounting for an 8 percent increase on a year-over-year comparison. Those with a pickup truck should protect its exterior with Husky Liners® mud guards.
Usually there is an increase in pickup truck demand as housing market activity increases. The National Association of Home Builders said that there were 781,000 home starts in 2012, and it expects that number will surpass 1 million in 2013.
"The low rate of depreciation for full-size pickups means that consumers will find themselves in a favorable equity position if they trade-in their used pickups for a new or newer pre-owned one," Banks said. "There is little evidence to suggest that consumer demand for full-size pickups will diminish in the near-term. We expect prices in the segment to remain above average for the remainder of the year."
Best vehicles for below-prime buyers
CarFinance.com recently released its top 10 new and used vehicle choices by car buyers who are below prime. The report indicated that below-prime buyers now account for more than 43 percent of all car loans. CarFinance.com also compiled a list of the top 10 overall vehicles sold in the country, and the only vehicle to be consistently featured on both lists is the Dodge Ram.
"With loans to the nation's large population of below-prime car buyers rebounding, and helping to fuel our economic recovery, the industry would be wise to keep a close eye on their vehicle preferences," said Jim Landy, CarFinance president and CEO. "The CarFinance.com Top Ten Lists offer a snapshot of consumers focused on vehicle choices that are realistic and economically viable, and reflect the responsibility we are consistently seeing in their loan behavior, which is characterized by low rates of defaults and low rates of late payments."
The Top Ten New Vehicles Purchased: Below-Prime Car Buyers in the last six months, according to CarFinance.com are, the Dodge Avenger, Kia Forte, Kia Optima, Chrysler 200, Dodge Journey, Ford Focus, Ram 1500, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa and Kia Sorento.
Kelley Blue Book recently released its list of 10 Cars that Exude Attitude, highlighting new vehicles that are not just about getting from A to B, but showing some character in the process.
While this list of vehicles may not apply to everyone, perhaps those who are only looking for a family car or people only concerned with fuel efficiency, KBB said for every 100 'ordinary Joes' there is a Dennis Rodman, meaning some individuals are after a particular style when buying a car.
"KBB.com's list of 10 Cars that Exude Attitude showcases vehicles that stand out from the crowd, cars that our editors think have undeniable personality," said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst of Kelley Blue Book 's KBB.com. "From a sub-$20,000 subcompact to an exotic six-figure sports car, our list demonstrates that drivers can buy attitude-filled rides at many different price-points."
Some of the vehicles on the list of 10 Cars that Exude Attitude include the 2014 Lamborghini Aventador, Chevrolet Camaro, Mini Cooper Paceman and Nissan Juke.
Car sales strong in April
Car sales have been strong thus far in 2013. Just in April, TrueCar.com reported that light vehicle sales came in at more than 1.3 million vehicles last month, accounting for a 10.3 percent increase on year-over-year comparison. The website also reported that those sales translate to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 15.3 million new sales, up from 14.1 million on year-over-year comparison and unchanged from March 2013.
Those buying a new car in 2013 should look to protect its interior with Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats.
"New car sales continued their stable year-over-year growth curve in April, with improved consumer demand propelling the sales rate above 15 million units for the sixth month in a row," said Jesse Toprak, senior analyst for TrueCar.com. "Relatively lower gas prices coupled with small business demand improving for trucks resulted in a strong showing for small and large pickups in April, a trend we expect to see strengthen even further for the rest of 2013."
Those after a vehicle in 2013 are finding that there are not many incentives available to convince them to buy. While many would-be car buyers put off a purchase once the recession hit, affordability has once again returned and demand has picked up. Therefore, automakers are not forced to offer incentives to get business in the door.
Strategic Vision recently released its Total Quality Index investigating the quality and performance of some of today's top vehicles. The group compiled a list of the Best 2013 Total Quality cars, and Dodge and Chrysler dominated the list.
Based on responses from 17,568 owners of 2013 model year vehicles, the Dodge Dart, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler 200 Convertible were the leaders in their segment when it comes to total quality. Strategic Vision measures more than 440 variables when considering a vehicle's total quality and driver's experience including reliability, driving excitement, emotional attachment, service satisfaction and overall sales.
"In today's competitive market, customers expect and deserve a highly reliable vehicle," said Doug Betts, senior vice president of quality, Chrysler Group. "This particular study recognizes that to excel in overall quality it's important to also deliver well-crafted, exciting vehicles and ensure customer satisfaction after the sale. These honors show that customers appreciate the innovations in the all-new Dart as well as the ongoing improvements we're making throughout our product lineup."
Experts were particularly excited that the Dodge Dart led in overall quality. Christopher Chaney, vice president of Strategic Vision, went on to say that the fact that the Dodge Dart is leading in the small car segment is extraordinary when considering the focus, design and competitive engineering that exists within this segment. He added that customers have responded to the car's versatility, motivating exterior styling, and an array of high-quality performing components and concepts.
Those looking to maintain the quality of their vehicle's interior should equip their cars with Husky Liners® custom fit floor mats.
Chrysler has 12 cars on Top Safety Pick list
Chrysler recently announced that for the second year in a row, it has 12 vehicles named as top safety picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Chrysler also has two models that achieved the designation of Top Safety Pick+, making them some of the most reliable cars on the road. The vehicles include the Dodge Avenger and the Chrysler 200, which was also featured as a best in total quality from Strategic Vision.
The automakers models that have been named top safety picks this year include the Dodge Dart, Charger, Grand Caravan, Journey and Durango; the Fiat 500; the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country; and the Jeep Patriot and Grand Cherokee.
"We are honored to receive these awards," said Mark Chernoby, the vice president of engineering for Chrysler. "Occupant safety is a key ingredient to the design and manufacture of all Chrysler Group vehicles."
May is National Pet Month, and that means letting your furry friend know just how much you love them. The month gives us a time to reflect on how important pets are in our lives and what we can do to help them. Along with showering your pet with love, the month should be celebrated and geared toward supporting responsible pet ownership.
Pets need a home
What better time to adopt a new member to your family than National Pet Month. All across the country pets are in need of loving homes. While you think you'll be helping them, they will really be helping you.
Pet proof your home and car
Whether you are bringing home a parakeet or a Great Dane, you will want to pet proof your house. This will not only keep them safer, but it will keep your things from being damaged.
You will also want to pet proof your car. A great way to do this is to install Husky Liners® custom fit floor mats. These mats will fit into any vehicle and are a great way to keeping an interior clean, even if you have a wet dog riding shotgun. You'll be happy to take Rufus along anywhere when you know your car can easily be cleaned.